Townsend Conservation Commision member resigns

TOWNSEND -- A longtime Conservation Commission member resigned last week over disagreements with her fellow members about the town's wetland bylaw.

Jennifer Pettit, who had been a member of the Commission since 1990, submitted a resignation letter on Feb. 1 alleging that a majority of the board wants to "weaken" the town's wetland bylaw and the way state regulations are handled.

In a Wednesday interview, Pettit said she feels "outvoted on everything."

"When my vote is inconsequential and doesn't count, if I have something to say, I can say it from the other side of the table," she said. "I can attend that meeting and argue that point without having to put as much time and effort in."

Pettit said she is concerned that the commission is granting too many waivers to a stipulation in the bylaw creating 35-foot "no disturb" buffer zones around wetlands.

"That's of real concern to me," she said. "I just can't be on a board that's going to continue to do that."

Conservation Commission Chair James Deroian was not immediately available for comment Wednesday.

Last summer, Pettit was the subject of two complaint hearings before the Board of Selectmen. One was filed by Karen Hill, who was appointed to the Conservation Commission last month. However, Pettit said the complaints did not affect her decision to resign.

While Pettit said she "learned a lot" from her 26 years on the Commission, she hopes now to focus on "fun stuff" that involves educating the public.

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"I'd rather be doing educational stuff to help people understand why they protect their wetlands," she said.

The Commission can recommend a candidate to be appointed by the Board of Selectmen to fill Pettit's seat for the rest of her term, which expires in June. Those interested in being considered for the position should fill out a form on the town's website.

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